Zambales candidate Joanna Rabe exits Miss Universe Philippines 2021 due to dengue
Zambales representative Joanna Marie Rabe has withdrawn from Miss Universe Philippines 2021 after being infected with dengue fever.
The 26-year-old pageant veteran took to social media to announce her departure from the competition.
"With great sadness, I would like to inform you that my Miss Universe Philippines journey has been cut short. I got Dengue Fever earlier this week and my doctors advised that I would need more time to recover my strength," she captioned.
She went on to thank her pageant training team, Zambales supporters, and the Miss Universe Philippines organization for the opportunity, though she isn't seeing the end of her pageant run anytime soon.
"I hope to see everyone, in a bigger stage and much brighter circumstances in [the] future."
Nicknamed as "Jojo," Joanna landed the Top 30 spot in the competition after securing sufficient votes in the MUPH official app and making it through various online challenges.
It has not been specified if Joanna will be replaced to complete the pageant's Top 30 candidates.
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Philippines Preliminary Q&A will kick off on Sept. 21, followed by the Preliminary Swimsuit & Evening Gown Competition on Sept. 23, and the Coronation Night on Sept. 25.
The winning queen will represent the Philippines in the 2021 Miss Universe this December in Israel.
Banner photos from Joanna Rabe's Instagram